The Christmas story of the Nutcracker who comes to life and the little girl who loves him is recast with bears in this fantasy for readers and listeners up to 8. Here, young Clara stops the battle between the toys and the mice by invoking the Christmas Truce, urging the combatants to put down their weapons and willingly sharing her family's ample supply of food. For this, Nutcracker whisks her away in an air balloon to the palace of Ursa Major, where Clara is treated to music and dancing. Throughout, Frances Tyrrell illustrates her mother Avril's story with realistic bear species and lush snowflake- and star-filled borders.